5 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress in Autumn

5 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress in Autumn

Autumn can arguably be considered the busiest out of all seasons. It’s the time of the year when most people are caught up in the transition from the carefreeness of summertime into their regular routine of work or school, and are faced with all sorts of old and new responsibilities. Some are even embarking in new paths and adventures, whether it’s a new job, school year or project.

As it happens with all kinds of change, this particular season can bring with itself an amountof stress and anxiety that could compromise the experience of this otherwise exciting and wonderful time of the year.

Keep reading to find out some easy ways to not let the stress overwhelm you and startenjoying the beauty of autumn.

1. Take a walk in nature

We’ve already discussed how a walk among nature can be beneficial for your inner well-being. Autumn, however, brings with itself a change in the scenery that can give you a different sort of perspective than in any other season. The leaves painted in all sorts of colors and their gentle floating through the air, the ground gradually covered in them and their cracking sound under your feet. These visual cues can be perceived as a metaphor for a sense of impermanence: just like the leaves detach from the branches and drift away from the trees, you should know that your problems and stress are only temporary and will pass.

2. Stick to the small tasks

Oftentimes, when we’re on the cusp of starting a new chapter in our lives, we tend to flood ourselves with unrealistic commitments to get done and end up only adding more stress to our already busy schedule. It’s good to have goals that you want to achieve, but try not to put too much pressure upon yourself. Furthermore, the more tasks on your agenda, the less attention you’ll give to what you’re currently working on. You should try to focus on what you’re doing in the here and now. Push yourself into stop giving too much importance and attention to past or future worries.

3. Laugh it out

As simple and silly as it sound, in many cases laughing is in fact the best medicine. It has been proven in a number of studies that a good laugh can provide many health benefits such as deceasing pain and boasting immunity, not to mention that it burns calories. Laughing generates a reduction of cortisol and adrenaline, two hormones responsible for stress, while at the same time releasing endorphins, those substances in our brain that instantly improve our mood and trick our nervous system into making us feel happy. The next time you’ll find yourself in a stressful situation, try to think outside the box and look for the humor in it.

4. Spend time with your loved ones

Sometimes we’re so caught up in our issues that we feel like no one would understand us, so we end up fueling the distress, making the problem way bigger than it actually is. One easy way to immediately feel better about it is to share what’s going on in your mind with somebody else. Just the act of talking about it will help you give a structure to your messy thoughts, and you’ll be surprised as to how your issues may be more common than you thought. Surely your interlocutor will be a reassuring voice for you and they will help you to put everything into perspective. Social connections give you a sense of belonging and self-worth: next time you have some free time, pick up the phone and call somebody, just to check in. It will put a smile on their face as well as on yours.

5. Listen to soothing music

If you’re stuck in a stressful situation and are unable to leave for a walk, have a laugh or a chat about it, there’s still a way to remove yourself from it, even only partially. Put in your headphones, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Listening to music can have many positive effects on your brain and body: it can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, as well as reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. By letting the sounds lead your mind away from the source of the stress, you’ll be able to find some instant relief and perhaps give your brain the space to find a solution to the issue.

If you’re feeling stressed right now, listen to this soothing instrumental music to find some comfort.